You can never be too vigilant

fits

My two dogs jumped into a slurry pit this morning.

I saw them chase something and jump over the wall, and ran straight after them, but couldnt see a thing when I got to the edge of the pit. Luckily someone was in the yard on the other side and saw where they were and ran over to assist me. If he hadnt been there, I would have definitely lost one of them who was nearly gone under at this stage.

I have walked past this wall, twice a day for 2 1/2 years. Things can go wrong so quickly. Thankfully I was lucky today.

Alfasudcrazy

God that is frightening. Were the dogs ok after it - that stuff is so poisonous. I think its a scandal that there is no law requiring these pits to be covered. I nearly walked into one myself a few years ago and never even knew it was there - it just looked like slurry on the ground. Only for a gust of wind causing a slight wave in it I would have been in and would not know what was happening. :eek:

I also have to watch mine closely too near the canal where they often are taken for walks as they jump in after small birds but never notice the current or whether it will be easy for them to climb back out again. :eek:

fits

Alfasudcrazy wrote: »

God that is frightening. Were the dogs ok after it - that stuff is so poisonous.

It was really frightening. The dogs seem ok. Whippety boy might have swallowed some of it and was in shock. He really was very close to being a goner. They were both hosed down immediately after.

lightening

Thanks god they didn't get in to the car after!

The Artist

lightening wrote: »

Thanks god they didn't get in to the car after!

i would imagine the smell!

fits

I was covered in it as well

Nice....

At least they're still here though.

lightening

Yeah, didn't mean to make light of the situation, just thought I would cheer you up! Sort of in too minds now about rescuing a lurcher. Do they just take off after anything?

fits

lightening wrote: »

Yeah, didn't mean to make light of the situation, just thought I would cheer you up! Sort of in too minds now about rescuing a lurcher. Do they just take off after anything?

Depends on the dog tbh. I would find one with high prey-drive too difficult to manage where I live.
Whippety boy is my shadow and I can always trust him to stay with me. He is as obedient and trustworthy as any dog I've known.
Saluki-boy is really chilled out and everyone's favourite, but he has wandering tendencies and poor recall (but fine 95% of the time). Neither of mine are bad with cats (but not properly socialised either).

I rescued another last year who had obviously used for hunting and she was seriously prey-driven and vicious with cats. I couldnt have kept her and shes now living on a house surrounded by 15 acres of deer fencing.

So... it really depends on the individual. But for ease of management, and beauty I dont think you can beat a lurcher (but I am biased).

It really was a split second thing this morning, they were in high spirits and just ran over the top of the wall.

lightening

Thanks, when the time comes I will pm you and maybe get a number and have a chat with you. I really don't want to jump in blind. I have read up as much as I can but you cant beat hands on.

tampopo

Alfasudcrazy wrote: »

I also have to watch mine closely too near the canal where they often are taken for walks as they jump in after small birds but never notice the current or whether it will be easy for them to climb back out again. :eek:

there's neglible current in a canal

fits

lightening wrote: »

Thanks, when the time comes I will pm you and maybe get a number and have a chat with you. I really don't want to jump in blind. I have read up as much as I can but you cant beat hands on.

Yes feel free to pm me.

fits

tampopo wrote: »

there's neglible current in a canal

except when its tidal....

kerrysgold

god that's scary, it's a good thing you were there! slurry pits seem to dangerous, there should at least be some sort of barrier around them so people/animals won't just fall in, if they don't want to cover them.

tampopo

fits wrote: »

except when its tidal....

then it's not a canal...

fits

eh.... how?

you're obviously not familiar with the canal in tralee then

tampopo

No, I am not.!!! not at all

Only the Grand Canal where it enters the sea at the Grand Canal Dock, and it is 'locked' to the tidal river.

And the Royal Canal across from it at the IFSC.bit OT, aren't we?!

artieanna

Slurry pits are lethal for humans and animals they should always be covered or fenced.

Fits I hope the owner takes note and covers it! Your dog was very lucky poor fella must've looked a state!!!

Trojan911

fits wrote: »

My two dogs jumped into a slurry pit this morning.
I saw them chase something and jump over the wall,

Lucky you were not on a horse at the time..... :eek:

Why didn't you have them on a leash? Were you off road?

fits

I live well off road, beside a farmyard. The slurry pit is about 50 yards from my front door.